In honor of Claude Pepper’s lifelong commitment to health advocacy and equity, this scholarship is to support FSU students who wish to become Certified Peer Health Educators (CPEs) at FSU. A core area of the Institute’s research mission involves maximizing health and health behaviors early in life to promote well-being as we age. This program encourages healthy behaviors among FSU students which will carry them into and through adulthood. It also supports CPEs in considering a health or health policy profession for the future.

Initially launched by the BACCHUS Network in 1994, the Certified Peer Educator program has been an asset to health and wellness peer educators, leading to the certification of more than 350,000 individuals since its inception. As the higher education landscape has evolved, so have the roles of peer educators, especially in the capacity of traditional health and wellness.

Students who attend the training program and complete the certification exam develop leadership skills to create and implement successful campus health programs. The training includes eight modules which include: the role of peer education, helping peers make a behavior change, listening skills, response and referral skills, how to take action and intervene, recognizing the role of diversity and inclusivity, programming and presentation skills, self-care, and group dynamics.

For more information, EMAIL DR. LADANYA RAMIREZ SURMEIER